Happy 7th Birthday Russell

This Friday was Russell's 7th birthday. Rather than hosting a party at our home or a kiddie palace (i.e. Chuck E. Cheese or Pump It Up!), we decided to have a birthday celebration at Russell's 1st grade class on the last day of school (the same day as Russell's birthday). This is the 2nd year that we've done this.

Russell's classmates are a great bunch of kids. Many of the kids in Russell's class are recent immigrants or from families of modest income, so I was especially glad that these kids would be attending Russell's party. Aware that Russell is "different", several of the girls look after Russell like a little brother. They help the teacher when needed, and often guide Russell during classroom assignments.

For the party, we brought a SpongeBob cake, pizza and goodie bags. As I brought the pizzas into the classroom, Russell's classmates all turned around and shouted together "Pizza!"--as if on cue. For his last day of 1st grade, Russell was King of the Classroom.

Jenny lights the birthday candle as Russell and his excited classmates look on. That's Punky on left watching the lighter flame.

Russell prepares to blow out the candle

The SpongeBob birthday cake

Russell and his friend Christopher, whose birthday is only 11 days after Russell's